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Pilgrimage Guide › Nepal Sacred Sites 42–48 › Ramagrama Stupa
Ramagrama Stupa in Nawalparasi, Nepal, is one of the eight original stupas built over the Buddha’s relics after his Mahaparinirvana. According to tradition it is the only one that was never opened, and it still holds the relics given to the Koliyas.
Near Parasi, Nawalparasi (West) district, Nepal
About 50 km east
About 29 km east
About 7 m high
October to March
1–2 hours
After the Buddha’s cremation at Kushinagar, his relics were divided into eight parts and given to eight kingdoms. The Koliyas of Ramagrama received one share and built a stupa over it. Centuries later, Emperor Ashoka opened seven of these stupas to share the relics across his empire.
According to tradition, when Ashoka came to Ramagrama, the Nagas who guarded the stupa asked him to leave it untouched, and he agreed. For this reason Ramagrama is honoured as the only original relic stupa that has never been opened. The Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang visited and described it. Today the large brick mound stands quietly beside the Jharahi River, about 4–5 km from Parasi Bazaar.
For pilgrims, Ramagrama offers a rare blessing: to pray before a stupa believed to still hold the Buddha’s own relics, untouched for more than two thousand years. Many groups sit in silence or chant here with deep devotion.
The story of Ashoka respecting the wish of the Naga guardians also teaches humility and respect for the sacred.
Ramagrama is about 50 km east of Lumbini and about 29 km east of Bhairahawa, around one hour by road. It is about 4–5 km from Parasi Bazaar. There is no regular public transport to the stupa itself, so a private vehicle is best. Ramagrama is often combined with Devdaha.
October to March is the best time. There are no restaurants at the site, so carry water and snacks. Ramagrama is calm and rarely crowded, ideal for chanting and meditation. Please walk clockwise around the stupa and do not climb on the mound.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
Ramagrama is one of the eight original relic stupas of the Buddha and, according to tradition, the only one that was never opened.
The stupa was built by the Koliyas of Ramagrama over the share of the Buddha’s relics they received after his Mahaparinirvana.
Ramagrama is about 50 km east of Lumbini and about 29 km east of Bhairahawa.
According to tradition, the Nagas guarding the stupa asked Emperor Ashoka to leave it untouched, and he respected their wish.
Yes. Devdaha is about 25–35 km from Ramagrama, so both can be visited on the same day.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
